Here’s how the solar eclipse affects dogs —and how to use the cosmic energy to optimize training

On September 21, some of us will bear witness — but all of us will feel the pull of a partial solar eclipse in Virgo.

And we humans are not the only beating hearts affected by this cosmic event, as all animals, both wild and domestic, and points in between — fall under the influence of this cosmic alignment.

“Eclipses are all about shifts, endings and new beginnings. When you apply that lens to dog training, this is the perfect time to embrace fresh energy, patience and consistency,” said Shannon Kenny, astrology expert and professional dog trainer at Woofz.

3

Because this eclipse is transpiring in Virgo, a sign associated with streamlining, wheat separating and working ever toward our divine potential, now is the hour to employ patience, consistency and a can-do attitude to train your pup.

“This eclipse is basically the universe giving us a little shove: out with the stale routines, in with a fresh training rhythm. Whether you’re working on “sit,” “stay,” or “please stop stealing my socks,” now’s the perfect time to hit play on your dog’s learning journey again,” said Kenny.

How to?

Small, consistent training

Kenny shared that pet owners should eschew a bootcamp-style regimen and instead focus on one or two commands.

“Consistency, which is a very typical eclipse energy, will make the reset stick. Five minutes every day beats a long and exhausting Saturday session.”

Be generous with positive reinforcement

3

Whether the sun is eclipsed or shining in full force, dogs respond best to a reward system.

“Stock up on high-value treats to pair with verbal praise when your dog successfully follows the cues. You want your dog to try new things and stick with them; reward this patience.”

Opt for a change in routine and scenery

Dogs, like Geminis, get high on novelty and a walk through uncharted territory.

“The eclipse time is perfect for practicing commands in different environments. If your dog has already mastered leash manners on a short walk, maybe it’s time to take it to a bigger park. This type of training helps your pup generalize the behavior, meaning ‘sit’ means sit everywhere, not just in front of the couch,” said Kenny.

Go with the flow and grow through failure

3

Kenny notes that eclipses challenge us to grow through what we go through, an energy that’s reflected in our canine counterparts.

“Do not overly stress over your dog’s flops. Reset the moment they ignore you or aren’t in the mood to listen. Gently redirect, reward their small wins, and keep it light. As dogs naturally pick up on our vibes, showing them patience during the eclipse is key,” she said.

Put the fun in functional

For Kenny, true training transcends commands.

“Your dog’s brain needs to be engaged almost constantly. Now is a good time for new puzzle toys, scent games or learning a trick like ‘spin’ or ‘touch’ — all of that can spark enthusiasm and remind both of you that learning is fun,” Kenny said.

Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports back on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.